KANSAS CITY MUSIC INDUSTRY MICRO CONFERENCE

Join us for the inaugural Kansas City Music Industry Micro Conference, August 27–29, 2025!

Connect with artists, executives, and cultural leaders through panels, roundtables, and networking events. Celebrate KC’s musical legacy with live performances, community mixers, and industry insight—all in the iconic 18th & Vine Historic District. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or music lover, this 3-day experience will inform, inspire, and ignite your creative journey.

“Sound. Structure. Legacy.”A Kansas City Music Industry Micro Conference

Session 1:“Foundations & Futures: Building KC’s Music Industry Infrastructure”

Overview :This session focuses on the systems and resources required to support a thriving local music ecosystem. Topics include:

• Existing KC music infrastructure: venues, studios, labels, radio, and education.
• Gaps in resources: access to affordable rehearsal spaces, business services, and health care for artists.
• Policy and public sector support: How can city departments help?
• Building pipelines to national industry institutions and festivals.
• Creating a sustainable environment for creatives to stay and grow in Kansas City.

Session 2:“You Are the Music Business: Artists as CEOs”

Overview :This session empowers musicians and creatives to take ownership of their careers by understanding the business side of music. Topics include:

• Setting up LLCs, publishing entities, and proper banking.
• Marketing, branding, and digital distribution.
• Grant writing and accessing public funding.
• Touring logistics and licensing.
• Social media monetization and direct-to-fan platforms.

Session 3:“Legacy to Leverage: Turning KC’s History into Future Opportunity”

Overview :This session will explore how Kansas City’s world-renowned music heritage can be a platform for creative and economic growth. Topics include:

• Branding KC as a music city.
• Using legacy spaces (like 18th & Vine) to attract new investment.
• Intergenerational storytelling, content creation, and archives as business tools.
• Cross-genre and cross-generational collaboration.
• How cities like Nashville and Austin have monetized their legacies — and what KC can learn.

Stay Posted for Panelist Announcements!

If you are interested in performing at the Conference showcase click the link for submission

Note: Light Snacks and Beverages will be provided during Day 2 Panels.

🅿️ Nearby Parking Options (Walking ≤ 5 min to 18th & Highland)

• 17th Terrace (north of 18th Street): On-street parking available from Highland to Vine Street.
• Highland Avenue (just north of 18th): Limited angled or parallel spaces remain accessible.
• Vine Street south of 18th: Additional on-street spots

Note: 18th Street between Paseo and Vine is closed to both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, and sidewalks on 18th are closed through September 2025. Pedestrian entry to Blue Room, Jazz Museum, and adjacent venues is maintained via back entrances off 17th Terrace and Highland Avenue

Info: American Jazz Museum Atrium
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us for an evening of networking and community connection. Enjoy light hors d'oeuvres, beverages, and welcome remarks from conference organizers and city partners.

Info: Mutual Musicians Foundation
4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Session (1)4:00 PM -5:00 PM, Session (2) 5:30 PM PM - 6:30 PM, Session (3) 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM)
An evening of informational panels, and roundtables with special guests and key KC music stakeholders. Light snacks and beverages provided.

Info: Mutual Musicians Foundation & 18th & Vine Historic District
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Wrap up the inaugural conference with a community celebration: Happy Hour social, food, drinks, and a live concert featuring members of the Mutual Musicians Foundation.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Mutual Musicians Foundation, 1823 Highland Avenue, Kansas City, United States